The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2025 - Issue 37

bitenewmusic ast month, South London lyricist, kissin’ teef, a musical project from the multi-hyphenate artist Kai-Isaiah Jamal, released their debut single ‘Jungle’. The track, written by the artist and produced by Daveyoh, delivers thought-provok- ing lyrics with a dynamic flow as it analyses the differences in how people adapt to cultural and racial diversity in London’s working-class communities. The video, directed by Hector Dockrill, features kissin’ teef walking through a London estate, showcasing the melting pot of cultures it inhabits. “In response to a viral LBC caller Darren, who you hear sampled in the chorus breaks, it is a song about resistance, community, and standing fearlessly against racial hatred whilst reflecting on how marginalised communities have built this city into the radiant and alive patchwork it is today.” SP5DER, who supported the video, has built a powerful pres- ence at the intersection of fashion and music, using bold visuals and a strong cultural voice to shape the conversation. Their music section, SP5DER Sound Sessions, takes that influence further, spotlighting new and established artists while expand- ing into SSS-focused content, merchandise, and deepening connections within a growing global community. kissin’ teef ’s music is a nod to the early 2000s heyday of London grime, rap, and the UK’s funky house. More than personal storytelling, their music is a communal offering, as they draw inspiration from the lives, voices, and experiences that shaped them. A year before he died, Virgil Abloh named Kai-Isaiah a ‘voice of their generation’ after they broke history at Louis Vuit- ton. It was a title they never wore lightly, and became a duty to carry even more when his physical presence was no longer around. Their words had led them to write beautiful poetry that Benji B would carefully weave into the soundtracks for the Louis Vuitton shows they walked in. Alongside the greats such as Saul Williams, Goldie, Yasiin Bey, GZA and Lupe Fiasco and the constantly encouragement of V they slowly started believing in their pen and their power for storytelling and gave the poetry a new background, a nostalgic London centric and a few years on from that kissin’ teef was born. Jungle kissin’ teef Image courtesy of Satellite-414